Scindapsus exotica

Scindapsus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Queensland, and a few western Pacific islands. The species Scindapsus pictus is common in cultivation.

Scindapsus is not easily distinguishable from Epipremnum. The main difference between the two genera is in the number of seeds they produce. Scindapsus species have one ovule in each ovary whereas Epipremnum species have a few. The seeds of Scindapsus are rounded to slightly kidney-shaped. The plants are primarily root climbing vines.

History of the name

Claudius Aelianus (Aelian, 2-3 cc., De Natura Animalium XII.44-46, XVII.18), uses the word in relation to an Indian musical instrument used for taming the wild elephants.